Joseph Yun Li-sun

In 33 years of service, the Catholic doctor has treated more than 15,000 patients for free. Now he is retiring because of old age. He has "refused awards or prizes," said Fr Kim Deuk-kwon. "But we have decided to hold this event to honour him and inspire the younger generation with his lifelong work."

In Japan, underground Christians who suffered persecution between the 16th and 19th centuries are remembered with great respect. Our Lady appeared to some 'Kakure Kirishitan" when some were tortured in 1867. Young Yasutaro's story is one of them. Locked in a small cage, instead of abjuring the faith, he died smiling, comforted by Mary. Pictures of the shrine follow.

Kenneth Bae is defined by some sources as a "devout Christian" who, in his visits to the North as a tour operator, always sought to keep the evangelization of the people alive. The United States had requested his release: Now, according to some analysts, a deal could open up in exchange for humanitarian aid.

In the message sent to the dioceses for the World Day for Migrants, the President of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and foreign residents asks the faithful to cultivate "a new sense of hospitality" towards Saeteomin, exiles fleeing from Pyongyang .

Viewed for years as a "distraction" from religious practice and teaching, advanced information technology is now starting to enter the Jogye Order, the largest religious order in South Korea. However, some remain skeptical about this development.

The Episcopal Conference of South Korea has asked Rome to beatify the "disappeared" bishop, but never declared dead, during the persecutions of Kim Il-sung against the North’s Church. Together with his 80 companions - almost all priests and religious – he is a symbol of religious hatred and violence of the Stalinist regime led by Kim Jong-un today.

The Korean Church waits for the canonization of Paul Yun Ji-chung and his 123 companions, proclaimed Servants of God by the Vatican in 2003. Bishop of Daejeon: "It would be nice to have Pope Francis here to celebrate together." Their blood "sustains all people" and their stories are an extraordinary example of fidelity and love for the Gospel. AsiaNews presents a number of biographies, beginning with Paul Yun.

Bishop Lazzaro You Heung-sik will be at the World Youth Day with 300 young people: "I want to ask Francis to come to Asia, the opportunities are many and his visit would be a celebration for the whole continent." Next Sunday, 10 thousand people at the diocesan seminary for the World Day of Vocations.

The 5-by-8-metre mural located near the central station depicts Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. According to a local source, "it fell down because of the strong wind, since corrupt officials stole money destined for the planning and materials." This is the first time a symbol of the dictatorship collapses, and the population is now afraid of retaliation by the police.

North Korea takes to the streets to celebrate the birthday of the deceased father of the nation and grandfather of the current dictator. Seoul warns: "They are ready to launch the missile," while Kerry opens to the direct dialogue with the regime.

Source tells AsiaNews about an undercover meeting with a Christian who told "me that we heard about" Francis's appeal it. "We do not want to be isolated from the rest of the world," he added. But tensions on the peninsula are rising as Pyongyang gets rocket ready for launch.

The United States and South Korea put their troops on maximum alert. The Kim regime’s deadline for foreigners to leave expires today. Intelligence sources: "A new missile with ranges of 3 thousand kilometers, never before tested, is in launch mode."